🐎 Horse-Shaped GPS Art around Onma Shrine in Kanazawa 🗻
Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture is home to two historic Onma Shrines—one in Hisayasu (Kuan) and one in Mamecho—each deeply rooted in local belief. The name “Minma” refers to the region’s historic connection with horses, and the shrines have served as spiritual centers for praying for the health, protection, and well-being of horses and their owners. In particular, the Hisayasu Onma Shrine has long been venerated as the principal shrine of the Minma district.
This 7km GPS art route offers a unique way to celebrate the Year of the Horse by walking a course that forms the silhouette of a horse on your GPS tracker. Starting at Onma Shrine, the route winds through residential and urban areas, including the vicinity of the Kanazawa Institute of Technology and the Japanese Red Cross Kanazawa Hospital. These stretches offer a glimpse into contemporary city life while retaining the charm of local neighborhoods.
The walk then continues toward Hisayasu Fushimi Park, a peaceful green space that invites walkers to slow down and enjoy seasonal scenery. The mix of parkland, quiet streets, and small commercial areas creates a rich tapestry of experiences along the way. As participants traverse the course, the GPS trace gradually reveals the shape of a horse, bringing both creativity and cultural meaning to the journey.
Kanazawa itself is famous as a historic castle town, once part of the powerful Kaga Domain, and is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural heritage. While many visitors are drawn to the city’s more famous sites like Kenrokuen Garden or Kanazawa Castle, the eastern Hisayasu and Mamecho areas reflect a different side of Kanazawa: a blend of agricultural history, residential life, and quiet community spirit.
With its generally flat terrain, this area is especially well suited for walking, jogging, or running—making it easy to enjoy this GPS art course during your New Year visit. Whether you’re commemorating the Year of the Horse or simply exploring Kanazawa in a new way, this route offers a memorable and meaningful start to the year.
DETAIL (EXTERNAL LINK)
A PIONEER IN GPS ART.
1st work was authorized by Guinness World Records as “the Largest GPS Drawing”.
He is the only Japanese person to be featured in a Google documentary as an innovator. He is fascinated by the idea of drawing with GPS and has published more than 2,500 works.
